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‘

Together Stronger Senedd Y Plant

Croeso

Email: - scmail@hwbcymru.net Website: http://sandycroftschool.weebly.com

Twitter: @SandycroftCP Telephone – 01244 532083

Updated June ‘18

Ysgol Sandycroft C P School

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CONTENTS

A welcome from Mr Liptrot & the Chair of Governors p3 About our school p4 Vision & Educational Statement p5 The Governing Body p6 Our Staff p7-8 General Organisation p9 Admissions p10 Attendance & Leave of Absence p11 Admissions p12 The Curriculum p13-14 Additional Needs & Looked After Children p15 School Safety p16 Behaviour Policy p17 Term Dates 2018/19 & the School Day p18 School Uniform p19 School Meals & Snacks p20 Wraparound Care p21 Educational Visits & Extra Curricular Clubs p22 Communication p23 Fundraising p24 Medical Information p25 Miscellaneous p26 Complaints Procedure p27 Home School Agreement p28 Appendix p29

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Dear Parents We are delighted to welcome you and your child into our school family. This is a very exciting time of your child’s life and we are keen to make it a rewarding and happy experience. Choosing the right school for your child is a very important decision to make. As parents we all want a good education for our children but just as important is that they are happy and feel safe and secure. At Sandycroft CP School we feel we can offer all of those things. We pride ourselves on the wide, varied and full education we provide for all of our children. The high standards we set for teaching and learning are a credit to the hard work of staff, parents and pupils in a strong partnership. Equally we are also very proud of the warm family atmosphere of co-operation and support that exists in our school. Visitors often comment on the warm welcome they receive and the polite and positive attitudes of our pupils. Our prospectus holds a great deal of information about our daily routines and school organisation. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any further information. Welcome to our family. Yours sincerely Mr C A Liptrot Mrs Jane Bellis Headteacher Chair of Governors

E Mail Address: scmail@hwbcymru.net

Website: http://sandycroftschool.weebly.com

Ysgol Sandycroft Lôn Leaches Mancot Glannau Dyfrdwy Sir Y Fflint CH5 2EH

Ffôn: (01244) 532083

Sandycroft C P School Leaches Lane

Mancot Deeside

Flintshire CH5 2EH Tel: (01244) 532083

YSGOL SANDYCROFT SANDYCROFT C P SCHOOL

Mr C A Liptrot B Ed (Hons)

Headteacher/Pennaeth

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OUR SCHOOL We welcome you and your child to Sandycroft Community Primary School and hope that they will be happy within our school family. Prospective parents are welcome to view school at any time they would like, please book an appointment with our school office. In addition to this, there are welcome evenings and various induction visits for Nursery and Reception parents before your child starts school with us. Information will be sent home closer to the time. Sandycroft is a Community Primary school for children of ages 2 to 11 years. There are 7 Infant/Foundation Classes and 6 Junior/KS2 Classes. Sandycroft CP School also runs a separate setting for Flying Start and Nursery Plus in line with CSSIW standards. Our school was built in 1957 by Flintshire Education Authority to replace St Francis’ V P School. After opening, the school population grew steadily and in 1967 an extension to house the Infant Department was opened. Over recent years the school has had extensive refurbishment. We have 12 spacious classrooms, 4 large activity areas, a large refurbished staff room, an Additional Needs room, cloakrooms, activity rooms, reading areas and ICT Suites. Foundation 1 (Early Years) pupils are in a self-contained room, which has recently been refurbished. They also have access to outdoor learning areas that are used throughout the year. Our outside facilities comprise of separate Infant and Junior Playgrounds and 2 large playing fields. The grounds are enhanced by colourful flower-beds and ornamental trees providing an atmosphere of a park-land. We have ramped access to our Early Years, Infant and Junior departments. We also have an Environmental and Conservation Area, which is an ongoing development. It is an area that benefits all our pupils and provides habitats for wildlife. Our School Garden is also enhanced by the work of pupils, parents and staff who regularly plant, water and weed the borders. We are very proud of our awards which continue to raise the standards of education throughout our school. They include: Investors in People Gold Award Investors in Families Healthy Schools Award Eco Schools, ‘Read Write Inc’ model school Young Carers Charter (Barnardo’s) We are also working with GWE as a leading school in writing and developing the new curriculum in Wales. Our school is maintained by Flintshire Local Education Authority. Mrs Claire Homard is the interim Chief Officer, Education & Youth based at:

Flintshire County Council County Hall Mold Flintshire CH7 6ND Telephone: 01352 704190

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Educational Statement We aim to provide a broad and balanced curriculum to allow children to make choices. We strive to create self-motivated, lifelong learners enabling ALL to reach their full potential.

Vision Statement At Sandycroft CP School we aim to provide a happy and secure environment where we show mutual respect, fairness, understanding and care for all.

Our Motto is ‘

‘Together Stronger’ Senedd y Plant

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Who are the Governors and what do they do? Governors are like a Board of Directors and make decisions about how the school is run. They meet at least once a term and have legal duties, powers and responsibilities. The Governors for our school are:

TYPE START DATE

END DATE

TITLE FORENAME SURNAME

CO OPTED 01/04/2017 31/03/2021 Mr John Cottle

CO OPTED 01/04/2017 31/03/2021 Mr Duncan Haworth

CO OPTED 13/11/2017 12/11/2021 Mrs Moira Owen

CO OPTED 01/04/2017 31/03/2021 Mr Steve Harms

LOCAL AUTHORITY - VICE CHAIR 09/04/2015 08/04/2019 Mrs Bev Gibson-Taylor

LOCAL AUTHORITY 01/09/2017 31/08/2021 Mr David Hughes

LOCAL AUTHORITY 19/10/2017 18/10/2021 Mrs Anne Griffin

VACANCY

MINOR AUTHORITY 01/12/2016 03/11/2020 Mrs Patricia Connor

PARENT - CHAIR 01/04/2014 31/03/2018 Mrs Jane Bellis

PARENT 16/02/2017 15/02/2021 Mr Paul Cartlidge

PARENT 16/02/2017 15/02/2021 Mrs Nicola Henderson

PARENT 16/02/2017 15/02/2021 Mr Andy Jones

PARENT 16/02/2017 15/02/2021 Mrs Helen Wall

HEADTEACHER 01/09/2004 Ex officio Mr Andrew Liptrot

STAFF - TEACHER 16/04/2018 15/04/2022 Mr Gavin Roberts

STAFF - TEACHER 01/09/2016 31/08/2020 Mrs Claire Bithell

STAFF - SUPPORT 01/09/2016 31/08/2020 Mrs Janet Young

Clerk to Governors - Mrs Joanne Wood

All of the above can be contacted c/o Sandycroft CP School.

THE GOVERNING BODY

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Headteacher Mr Andrew Liptrot

Deputy Headteacher Mr Michael Fryer

Flying Start/Early Entitlement/Childcare Provision

Department Leader Miss Candida Munnerley (First Aider)

Teaching Assistants Miss Katie Wakefield

Miss Kasia Tarasinska

Miss Amy Pritchard

Early Years

Department Leader Mrs Leanne Dunbar-Hall

Mrs Jane Watson

Mrs Michele Okorn

Teaching Assistants Mrs Kirstie Chester (First Aider)

Mrs Tina Jones

Miss Natalie Forshaw

Foundation Phase

Department Leader Miss Andrea Baldwin

Miss Sally Bell

Mr Tom Best

Teaching Assistants Mrs Julie Williams (First Aider)

Miss Suzan Erdogan

Miss Rachel Dunbar (Maternity Cover – Miss Boryana Ivanova)

Mrs Monica Hogg

Key Stage 2

Year 3/4

Department Leader Mrs Sarah Coy

Miss Steph Skillen

Mrs Natalie Garner (Maternity Cover – Miss Kate Williams)

Teaching Assistants Miss Tracy McCarron

Mrs Stacy Moss

Mrs Kate Rutter (First Aider)

Miss Belinda Buckley

Miss Karen MacPherson

Year 5/6

Department Leader Mrs Claire Bithell

Miss Alison Holmes

Mr Gavin Roberts

Teaching Assistant Mrs Sharie Erdogan

SCHOOL STAFF

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Additional Needs Staff

ANCO Miss Deborah Chinery

Teaching Assistants Mrs Jan Young

Mrs Alison Pritchard

Mrs Les Hadaway

Support Staff School Business Manager Mrs Joanne Wood

Mrs Alison Tidswell

Mrs Wendy Carman

Cleaning Staff Caretaker Mr Colin Pritchard (First Aider)

Miss Tracy McCarron

Miss Elaine Lamb

Miss Sian Owen

Miss Boryana Ivanova

Breakfast Club Mrs Les Hadaway

Mrs Sharie Ergogan

Miss Suzan Erdogan

Mrs Denise Horabin

A N Other

Midday Supervisors Senior Mrs Les Hadaway (First Aider)

Senior Miss Tracy McCarron

Mrs Julie Williams (First Aider)

Mrs Kirstie Chester (First Aider)

Mrs Sharie Erdogan

Miss Suzann Erdogan

Mrs Monica Hogg

Mrs Denise Horabin

Miss Boryana Ivanova

Mrs Alison Pritchard

Miss Kasia Tarasinska

Mrs Wendy Carman

Miss Natalie Forshaw

Newydd Catering Cook in Charge Mrs Sam Roberts

Mrs Olivia Shevlin

Mrs Janice Weston-Laing

Miss Elaine Lamb

Traveller/EAL Team Mrs Janet Vokes

Mrs Sheila Reynolds-Jones, Ms Laura Kingabay

School Nurse Ms Leanna Davies (Based at Connah's Quay Health Centre)

Education Welfare Officer Mrs Linda Ellis

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GENERAL ORGANISATION _______________________________________________________________________ Sandycroft is a Community Primary School for girls and boys aged 2 to 11 years. We have approximately 380 pupils on roll including part-time nursery pupils and Flying Start. Children’s year groups are organised as follows: Flying Start Age 2/3 years. Part time mornings 9.00 - 11.30am daily Early Entitlement Age 3/4 years. Part time afternoons 1.00 - 3.00pm daily Childcare Provision Age 3/4 years.

Early Years/ Nursery - Age 3/4 years. Part time mornings/afternoons Foundation 1 Reception - Age 4/5 years Key Stage 1/ Age 5-6 years will be in Year 1 Foundation 2 Age 6-7 years will be in Year 2

Key Stage 2 Age 7-8 years will be in Year 3 Age 8-9 years will be in Year 4 Age 9-10 years will be in Year 5 Age10-11 years will be in Year 6

Your child will be admitted to our school if they satisfy the criteria laid down in the LEA Admissions Policy. (A full copy can be obtained from Flintshire County Council).

CLASS TEACHERS Our classes are very well supported by an outstanding team of Teaching Assistants. In Early Years/Foundation 1 we operate a ratio of 1 adult to 10 or less children. In Foundation 2/Years 1 & 2 our ratio is 1 adult to 15 or less children. This ratio is maintained in our lower Junior Department of years 3 & 4. The impact of our Teaching Assistants on children’s learning is an outstanding feature of the school. All of our Teaching Assistants are very well qualified ranging from NVQ 2 to Degrees in Education. In addition to this our teaching staff are very talented professionals. Many are working with the Local Authority or Welsh Assembly leading pilot groups or are examples of best practice in the County.

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NATIONAL CURRICULUM ASSESSMENTS End of Foundation Phase Teacher Assessments for 2018 (Year 2 at Outcome 5+)

2018 2017 (2018 LA/Wales not yet available)

Sandycroft LEA Wales Similar Schools’

Average

Personal & Social Development 91.0% 96.1% 94.7% 95.6%

Language, Literacy & Communication 84.0% 90.3% 88.1% 87.7%

Maths 88.0% 92.2% 90.3% 88.8%

Foundation Phase Indicator 80.0% 89.5% 87.3% 86.4%

End of Key Stage 2 Teacher Assessment for 2018 (Year 6 at Level 4+)

2018 2017 (2018 LA/Wales not yet available)

Sandycroft LEA Wales Similar Schools

English 95.0% 92.6% 91.1% 92.2%

Maths 93.0% 93.0% 91.6% 93.7%

Science 95.0% 93.2% 92.2% 94.1%

Core Subject Indicator 91.0% 91.0% 89.5% 90.8%

Similar Schools – This is a group of schools that the WAG has placed us with that they regard as being similar to ours. This then allows the school to compare its performance against its group more accurately. The school’s data is compared with the 2017 average of the LEA and all Wales as 2018 data has yet to be validated. There is only a very small variance between yearly averages of 1-2% up or down. Core Subject Indicator – This is given if a child is awarded level 4 in all of the core areas of Maths, English and Science. All decimals have been rounded to the nearest whole number.

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ATTENDANCE

We believe that it is important for children to be punctual and regular in attendance. If your child is absent from school please telephone the School on the morning of the absence. If your child has a dental/hospital appointment, please also let us know by telephone or in writing. Attendance is monitored every 2-3 weeks by the Headteacher and the Inclusion Welfare Officer. Parents will be contacted if concerns are raised. Our attendance data is outlined below:-

2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17

ATTENDANCE 89.60% 89.70% 90.60% 91.60% 92.80% 94.60% 94.71%

AUTHORISED ABSENCE 10.30% 10.30% 8.90% 8.20% 6.90% 5.00% 4.86%

UNAUTHORISED ABSENCE 0.00% 0.00% 0.50% 0.20% 0.30% 0.40% 0.43%

HOLIDAYS / LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Governors have now formally agreed to our new procedure for holiday leave. This now means that holiday leave will not be granted unless your child has had 95% or better attendance in the previous and current academic years. This forms part of a UK drive to reduce absence in schools. All families should avoid taking holidays during term time. If you are not granted the leave and still go on holiday, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised. The Local Authority may then take further action via their Inclusion Welfare Officer which may result in a fine or prosecution. The unauthorised absence will also remain on your child’s record. Remember - Poor attendance = Poor progress at school. 99 - 100% attendance is excellent 95 - 97% is good and is our target for very child 93 – 95% is beginning to cause concern Below 93% is worrying and your child has less chance of success Less than 90% is a serious absence concern

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ADMISSIONS

At Sandycroft School we follow the Policy laid down by Flintshire Education Department. All admissions are made by the Admissions Team at the Local Authority and applications have to be made online at flintshire.gov.uk/school admissions The Governing Body has also stated:

".........that all children, whenever possible, who are resident in the

historical catchment area of Sandycroft School and are of appropriate age have a right of entry to the school.....

The school is not permitted to plan for more than 30 pupils in all Reception / Foundation Phase classes. Please see our website for a copy of our Admissions Policy. TRANSFER TO HIGH SCHOOL The majority of our Year 6 pupils transfer to Hawarden High School or the Elfed High School at the age of 11. An excellent transition arrangement exists between this school and the High Schools. This includes pupil visits by the Heads of Year 7 and Curriculum Post Holders. Throughout the year, there are regular meetings between staff at our schools and a series of transitional activities take place between the schools starting in Year 5. Records of progress are passed on prior to transfer. Current LEA Admissions Policy dictates that some pupils may be offered places at other High Schools depending on home address.

EQUALITY AT SCPS SCPS celebrates diversity and promotes equality in all aspects of school life. A full copy of our policy can be requested from school at any time. Our current practices are:

To arrange/provide training for all staff to ensure they are aware of their responsibilities and are able to take appropriate action if required.

To raise the performance of boys in English

To track and improve performance of minority groups such as Free School Meals, Travellers, Additional Learning Needs and English as an Additional Language Pupils.

To establish a procedure for using the respecting others form for reporting hate incidents.

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CURRICULUM On entry to our school at age 2/3 years to the end of year 2, aged 7, our children will follow the Foundation Phased Curriculum as laid out by the Welsh Assembly Government. There are 7 areas of learning include,

Personal and social development, well being and cultural diversity

Language, literacy and communication skills

Mathematical development

Welsh language development

Knowledge and understanding of the world

Physical development

Creative development In our Junior Department we follow the National Curriculum including English, Maths, Science, Welsh, History, Geography, Information Communication Technology, Physical Education, Music, Art, Design Technology and Religious Education. Although some subjects are taught as separate, stand alone subjects like English and Maths, we also teach most of our subjects through a topic approach where the learning skills are built into our teaching and planning. The Welsh National Curriculum is based around the development of the essential skills of Literacy, Numeracy, Digital Learning, Information Communication Technology and problem solving. We use these skills across a creative, thematic, enriched Curriculum. The school curriculum in Wales is currently under review following the Donaldson Report commissioned by Welsh Government. We are working with Welsh Government, GWE and Flintshire as a curriculum partner school developing this new curriculum. Although there are a broad range of languages spoken in school such as Polish, Russian, Lithuanian, German, Spanish and Romany, our main language is English with Welsh being taught as a second language. We embrace and celebrate all languages spoken in our school. Welsh is taught throughout the school as a second language with all of our pupils. This is often done via staff as incidental Welsh in all lessons with instructions from staff, requests from pupils, answering the register or playing games at break times. e.g. Can I go to the toilet? – Ga i fynd i’r toiled? Listen carefully - Gwrandewch Stand up - Sefwch Sit down - Eisteddwch This is reinforced via daily Helpwr Heddiw lessons lead by the pupils. The core content of the lessons is taught in English as this is our first language for nearly all of our pupils. This approach to Welsh is very similar to what the children will experience at our local High Schools. Any pupils who transfer to the County Welsh speaking High School

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have the opportunity to attend an immersion course in the final half term of Year 6 for 6 weeks. To teach reading, writing and spelling we follow a phonic programme called ‘Read Write Inc’. Our school is a Model School for the programme. Other schools visit us to see how to teach RWI and we advise them on development in their school. We are evolving our Curriculum to meet the needs of the Welsh Government Successful Futures report by Professor Graham Donaldson, in line with GWE and WG guidelines. We follow the Flintshire agreed syllabus for teaching Religious Education. Although the syllabus is Christian based, we also study a broad range of other religions. Any parent who wants to withdraw their child from these lessons may do so. The school will make suitable arrangements to cover these periods.

PERSONAL SOCIAL EDUCATION Throughout school children will receive appropriate PSE lessons for their age group. We follow the LEA recommended Social and Emotional Attitudes to Learning and Sense Scheme. As the children get older our school nurse covers works with staff covering the issues of growing up and sex education in Years 5 and 6. All pupils receive SRE (sex & Relationship Education lessons in line with Flintshire County Council Healthy Schools advice.

PE/GAMES/SWIMMING Children require pumps, plain white T-shirt and plain black shorts or netball skirts. Please write a note to the Class Teacher if your child is unfit to participate in PE or Games. Trainers to be used only for OUTDOOR Games.

Junior pupils require Football Boots and shin pads if they wish to take part in after school football and rugby practices/matches.

We are currently trialling a new approach to teaching swimming. Having worked with our Parent Partnership, Governors and staff we will now only take Years 3/4 swimming this year. Our plan however, would be to take them for a whole term and a longer lesson with more swimming instructors. We feel this will be more effective at getting our children swimming. We intend to start swimming after Christmas and will keep you informed as to when they need to bring their kit.

The cost of swimming lessons is covered by the school, but there is a voluntary contribution of £2.50 per session sought for the cost of transport. Classes that are selected to go swimming will receive a separate letter outlining requirements. Jewellery and watches cannot be worn for PE and Games for safety reasons. Stud earrings must be removed. On PE days it makes it much easier for the child if they do not wear any earrings at all.

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ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS Our Additional Educational Needs Policy is updated regularly and outlines our commitment in its aims which are:- A child with additional educational needs should have their needs met. The additional educational needs of children will normally be met in mainstream

schools or settings. The views of the child will be sought and taken into account. Parents have a vital role to play in supporting their child’s education. Children with additional educational needs should be offered full access to a broad,

balanced and relevant education, based on the National Curriculum and, for the pre school children, the desirable outcomes for children learning before compulsory school age.

At Sandycroft C P School we are committed to integrating and supporting any child with additional educational needs or disabilities. Working in partnership, we will make every effort to meet the needs of any pupil with additional needs. Sandycroft C P School has made good progress in making our school accessible with ramps, disabled parking and other alterations to our building. The Local Education Authority is working with the school on a rolling programme of major alterations following the school’s Accessibility Plan. The Accessibility Plan forms part of our Disability Policy, this can be found on our web site or copied upon request. In addition to this, Flintshire has a commitment to ensure the individual needs of any pupil entering school is accommodated and given equal access to that of any other child. There are several key policies that form part of the commitment of Sandycroft School to an inclusive education for all. All our policies are on our web site or can be collected from school—they include, Additional Educational Needs Policy, Accessibility Plan, Diabetes Policy and Dyslexia Friendly Policy. The school is committed to supporting dyslexic children. Staff adhere to the Dyslexia Friendly School Policy when teaching all subjects. Sandycroft C P School gained Dyslexia Friendly Schools accreditation in February 2008. We are also members of National Association of Additional Educational Needs which again shows our commitment to supporting any pupil in our school with additional needs.

LOOKED AFTER CHILDREN (LAC) From time to time we may have children who are in the care of the Local Authority and are Looked After Children. Miss Chinery is the designated teacher in our school who is responsible for promoting and monitoring the progress being made by our LAC pupils. School staff will meet with appropriate Local Authority Offices to write and monitor the children’s progress through the Personal Education Plans that are agreed.

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SCHOOL SAFETY & SECURITY In the interest of your child’s safety, we ask that parents/carers to adhere to the following:

No parents’ cars must enter the school premises No dogs allowed on school grounds No smoking of cigarettes or vapes on school grounds

Neither children nor parents are permitted to use the vehicular access gates, for obvious reasons of safety. Access to school must be by the small pedestrian gates. In the interests of safety and security entrance to school is restricted after 8.55 a.m., when the only means of access is through the Main Entrance. If you wish to see the Headteacher, or a member of staff, please enter school through the main door and report to the School Office. School safety and security are of our utmost importance. The school grounds are very well covered with many CCTV cameras. Recordings are held for 5 days and then recorded over. The CCTV images are used for the protection of pupils, staff, visitors and the premises. The school has a CCTV Policy which follows the Local Authority model policy and includes aspects if data protection were required. ??? AL In addition to this our Safeguarding Policy covers a broad range of procedures and policies which help to keep our children, staff, parents and visitors safe. Please see our website for a copy of our Safeguarding Policy. The main school gate will be locked from 8.30 am to 3.30pm daily. FP Gate and KS2 Playground Gate. For the safety and security of our children this gate will be locked at different times of the day. This may be an inconvenience but it is for your child’s safety. This gate will be locked:

Locked 9.15am

Unlocked 11.30am

Locked 12.00pm

Unlocked 12.50pm

Locked 1.15pm

Unlocked 2.45pm

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BEHAVIOUR POLICY Sandycroft CP is very proud of its high standards of behaviour and the polite manner in which the children conduct themselves on a daily basis. Our behavior policy is built around a set of very simple rules. If the children follow these rules they will be rewarded and praised for their positive behavior. The school’s full Behaviour Policy is on our school web site. It is our aim that our children are happy and enjoy their school life. If however your child is at all unhappy at school please contact your child’s class teacher immediately to resolve the situation. A copy of the school’s bullying policy can be accessed at school.

THE BEHAVIOUR LADDER

Outstanding Day

Great Day

Good Day

Ready to Learn

Time to Think about Better

Choices

Time Out in your Class

Time Out in another Class. Parents informed

Time out with Head or Deputy. Parents informed.

Exclusion considered

Pink

Purple

Blue

Green

Yellow

Orange

Red

White

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TERM DATES 2018 - 19

Autumn Term 2018

Staff Training Day Monday 03 September 2018

Staff Training Day Tuesday 04 September 2018

Autumn Term begins for pupils Wednesday 05 September 2018

School Closes (Half Term) Friday 26 October 2018

School Opens (Half Term) Monday 05 November 2018

Staff Training Day Friday 30 November 2018

End of Term Friday 21 December 2018

Spring Term 2019

School Opens for pupils Monday 07 January 2019

Staff Training Day Friday 01 February 2019

School Closes (Half Term) Friday 22 February 2019

School Opens (Half Term) Monday 04 March 2019

School Closes (Easter Hols) Friday 12 April 2019

Summer Term 2019

School Opens for pupils Monday 29 April 2019

School Closed (May Day Bank Holiday) Monday 06 May 2019

School Closes (Half Term) Friday 24 May 2019

School Opens (Half Term) Monday 03 June 2019

School Closes (Summer Hols) Friday 19 July 2019

Staff Training Day Monday 22 July 2019

THE SCHOOL DAY Part Time Pupils 8.55am – 11.45am Morning Session (Nursery) 1.00pm – 3.00pm Afternoon Session Key Stage 1 Reception, Years 1 & 2 8.55am – 11.50am 12.50pm – 3.10pm Key Stage 2 Years 3,4,5 & 6 8.55am – 12.00pm 12.50pm – 3.15pm

PUNCTUALITY We open our doors at 8.45am in order to ease traffic congestion and to allow a steady flow of children into school between 8.45am and 8.55am. If you arrive after 8.55am you must sign your child in late in the School Office.

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SCHOOL UNIFORM The Governing Body of our school encourages all children to wear school uniform. It helps the children to feel that they are part of our family and gives them a feeling of identity and pride. This presentation of themselves leads to good presentation of their work. From a parental point of view, the purchase of uniform may appear an unnecessary expense, but the experience of many parents is that it represents considerable savings over the years. Children can feel equal with each other regardless of background, there are no arguments over what to wear, no showing off to their friends and that means that they can get on with their work without distraction. We encourage pupils to wear: GIRLS Grey skirt or pinafore dress or black trousers Red or white blouse, Red, white or green polo shirt Green cardigan or school sweatshirt Black trousers Summer dress (green and white gingham) Sensible shoes (NOT trainers or shoes with high heels) BOYS Red or white shirt Red, white or green polo shirt Green jumper or sweatshirt Black trousers Sensible shoes (NOT trainers) The following items are available to buy from the School Office: Crew Neck Sweatshirt with school logo £11.00 Cardigan with school logo £12.00 PE bags £4.50 Book bags £5.00 Please make sure that ALL clothing/belongings (including footwear) are MARKED with your child’s name. JEWELLERY All jewellery, including earrings, is discouraged on the grounds of Health and Safety. However, the Policy of the Governing Body is that earrings may be worn, but they MUST be studs with only one in each ear. If earrings are worn, parents will be responsible for any injury as a result of them being worn. A watch may be worn. Make up is not permitted. All jewellery must be removed for P.E. / Games lessons and sports activities.

CONTACT If there are any changes to your address, telephone number, etc. please let us know immediately so that we are able to update our records.

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SCHOOL MEALS School Meals are supplied by Newydd Catering. The cost of a school meal from September 2018 is £2.20 per day (£11.00 per week) All dinner payments are paid online via SchoolComms. (Please refer to section on SchoolComms).

Pupils may bring a healthy packed lunch – NO glass bottles or nuts please.

A copy of the 3 week menu cycle is available on our school website. FREE SCHOOL MEALS Did you know that children attending school on a full time basis may be entitled to receive free school meals (FSM)?

Below is the criteria for eligibility for FSM if parent(s) are in receipt of any of the following:

Income Support Income Based Jobseekers Allowance Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 Income-related Employment and Support Allowance Child Tax Credit, provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and their annual income does not exceed £16,190 Guarantee element of State Pension Credit Working Tax Credit 'run-on' - the payment someone may receive for a further four weeks after they stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit Universal Credit

In order for your child to receive FSM, you will need to fill out an online application by

following the link below:

http://www.flintshire.gov.uk/en/Resident/Schools/Education-Benefits.aspx

If you are in any doubt as to whether you qualify, please just apply and you will be advised accordingly. Benefits Section – 01352 704848

HEALTHY SNACKS Throughout the school, children who wish to purchase a healthy snack can do so by paying cash for their snacks on a Monday only in a labelled envelope at a cost of £1.50 per week. Envelopes are given to the Class Teacher. We encourage all pupils to have a Healthy Snack mid morning. Welsh Assembly Government have insisted that children can only have a fruit snack between meals whilst at school. Small brown envelopes are available to purchase from the school office at a cost of £1.00.

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JIGSAW CLUB The School runs after school club at a very reasonable rate. It runs from: 3.10 – 5.30 pm daily. The Club is staffed by our TA Staff. The Person in Charge is Mrs Hadaway. If you would like your child to attend the Club full-time, part-time, even for just an hour, please contact Mrs Hadaway who is available at the start and the end of each school day. Children can only attend Jigsaw if they have reserved a place in advance as there is only a limited number of places. More details can be found on our school website. BREAKFAST CLUB We have a breakfast club operating every school day from 7.45 am until 8.45 am. Any full time registered pupil can attend on completion of a registration form. Booking a place is not required. Forms can be obtained from the school office or on our school website. The pricing structure is as follows: Entry 7.45 - 8.15am £2.00 Entry 8.20 - 8.30am Free This scheme is intended to improve the health and concentration of children to assist in the raising of standards of learning and is not intended to replace breakfast already provided by parents/guardians at home.

SCHOOL TOILETS At Sandycroft CP School we have 6 sets of toilets for children to access throughout the day, these consist of: Early Years Boys 3 toilets, 3 sinks, 1 urinal Girls 3 toilets, 3 sinks Year 1/2 Boys 2 toilets, 4 sinks, 1 urinal Girls 3 toilets, 2 sinks Key Stage 2 Boys 2 toilets, 4 sinks, 1 urinal Girls 6 toilets, 4 sinks We also have 2 purpose-built disabled toilets, one is located in our Infant Department and the other is located in our Junior Department. Staff have access to their own toilets that are not utilized by children. All toilets are cleaned daily by our staff to a very high standard. They are monitored by the Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher and Caretaker. They are also monitored and cleaned throughout the day if required.

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EDUCATIONAL VISITS At Sandycroft CP we are committed to enhancing our curriculum with regular educational visits. Unfortunately the school is unable to fund these activities and we are therefore reliant upon voluntary contributions and the support of parents. The trips/visits cover a broad range of activities from visits to local library, churches, various day trips and 3 residential visits.

Working as Servants In Erddig.

PENTRELLYNCYMER Sitting on the wall of the Brenig Dam. SUMMARY OF THE SCHOOL CHARGING POLICY For the vast majority of activities, lessons and events the school will cover the full costs. However, on some activities such as our educational trips/visits, residential visits and the cost of transport to swimming lessons we do ask for a voluntary contribution. Arrangements for payment schemes are also offered to help with the costs. A full copy of our Charging and Remissions Policy can be requested from school at any time.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES The children throughout the school are able to attend a range of extra curricular activities. Details of these clubs are available at the beginning of each term. These clubs are run voluntarily and we are always grateful to the teachers for giving up their time. Clubs normally run by staff include Chess, Football, Netball, Rounders, Choir, Swimming, Athletics, Sewing and Gardening. These run after school or over lunchtime. Our primary aim is to allow as many pupils as possible to experience a broad range of activities for fun and enjoyment. If we play competitive matches against other schools, our first aim would be to develop a positive sporting attitude before the outcome of the match.

Always at School Always at School Always at School Always at School Always at School Always at School Always at School

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PARENT / SCHOOL LIAISON Staff make themselves available to meet with parents before and after school. In addition to this you will often find staff available out on the playgrounds before and after school for an informal chat, please do come and talk to us. Parent evenings are offered twice per year with an end of year report during the Summer Term. There are numerous other events, which take place during the year, which you may be individually invited to, such as class assemblies. SCHOOLCOMMS

Communicating with parents is an important part of what we do, making sure you get the correct information about activities, events and things that really matter is something we care about. We utilize SchoolComms, a service used by over 3,000 schools, nurseries and children’s clubs to communicate to parents. It is beneficial to parents/carers because:

Messages get to you reliably and on time, via e mail, text message or via the App

Messages are sent directly to mums, dads and other carers at the same time Emergency or important information can be sent by text message at very short notice

Please refer to your welcome pack for instructions on how to set up an Account.

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FUNDRAISING FRIENDS OF SANDYCROFT SCHOOL ALL parents are members of FOSS. I hope you will support the activities that are organised by the Committee. This is a friendly association, and the money raised is used for the benefit of the children. It also enables teachers and parents to meet informally on social occasions. The Annual General Meeting is held in October to elect the Committee. CHARITIES Throughout the year we raise money for a variety of charities or provide money in support of sudden disaster funds. This helps to raise the children’s perspective of global issues and develop empathy for others. Senedd Y Plant (School Council) meet regularly and decide which charities we fundraise for.

SCHOOL UNIFORM EXCHANGE

We are part of the Uniform Exchange Scheme and collect any old uniform that is in good condition to recycle.

You can help reduce the cost of schooling in Flintshire by donating your unwanted or unused school uniform. You will also help raise much needed funds for Charity.

The School Uniform Exchange aims to encourage the people of Flintshire to recycle and donate unwanted or unused school uniform items rather than putting them in the bin. All donated school uniform is available for sale in Nightingale House Hospice shops throughout Flintshire at a fraction of high street prices.

Alternatively, school uniform donations can be dropped off at school or at any Nightingale House Hospice shop.

FLINTSHIRE FOODBANK

Flintshire Foodbank provides emergency food and support to local people in crisis.

If you would like to donate any non-perishable food items, please send them into school as we are now a collection point.

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MEDICAL INFORMATION

MEDICATION

Some children with long-term medical problems such as asthma or diabetes can be trained to administer their own treatments at school under the supervision of a trained member of staff. If your child needs to take medicine on an occasional basis we would ask you to make arrangements to come into school to dispense the medicine. In exceptional circumstances, if your child is fit to be in school but requires medicine, eg antibiotics, school staff will administer it providing a consent form for administering medication is completed and signed. This is normally only done for a fixed time period and for medication prescribed by a Doctor. It is the parents’ responsibility for making sure the antibiotics are collected and returned to school. Antibiotics are stored in a locked container in a fridge in the staff room. Children who require long term medical support will require a Care Plan in place, in partnership with parents, NHS staff and school. Any child with a Care Plan will receive the appropriate support in school.

ACCIDENTS AT SCHOOL Cuts and bumps in the playground are a part of school life. When a child has a minor accident such as a grazed knee, a trained member of staff will administer First Aid at school. If the accident involves a bump to the head we will notify the parent in writing. All accidents are recorded. More serious accidents, for example, those where professional medical attention is needed, will be reported to the parent/guardian immediately. If we are unable to make contact we will make arrangements for the child to be accompanied to hospital by a member of staff. The Education Authority is notified of all serious accidents.

ILLNESS When a child is taken ill at school we will make every attempt to contact the parent so that arrangements can be made for the child to be collected and taken home. If we cannot contact parents we will try to contact the person nominated as an emergency contact so that provisional arrangements can be made. If a child were seriously ill we would not hesitate to seek medical attention should it not be possible to contact parents/guardians. Children who are ill at home should not be returned to school until they are fully fit. This is particularly important after an infectious illness such as sickness and diarrhoea bug, (48 hours symptom free). As with all absences, school should be informed if a child cannot attend by calling school to explain the reason for absence.

SCHOOL HEALTH AUTHORITY – RECEPTION SCREENING All reception children are screened for weight, height, hearing and vision at some time during their first year at school. You will receive adequate notice of this from the school nurse. The results of these tests are sent to parents.

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DESIGNED TO SMILE Designed to Smile is Welsh Government initiative that aims to improve oral health of young children. We participate in the programme which supports daily supervised toothbrushing after lunch. This is not instead of brushing at home twice per day but as well as brushing at home. The programme is delivered in a safe and effective way. A consent form (which forms part of the New Starter Pack) is to be completed in order for children to participate in the programme.

HEADLICE Incidents of headlice are a community wide problem, which affect school life. Please help us by checking for headlice on a regular basis, informing school of incidents and referring re-occurring cases to the local Health Clinic for treatment.

PROTECTION AGAINST THE SUN The school is concerned by the dangers posed by excess exposure to the sun. We ask that during the summer months, an all-day sun cream is applied to your child and that they wear sun-hats.

DRINKING WATER Children need to drink to keep hydrated and to help concentration. Access to water is always available. All the children need to have their own water bottle with a sports top to avoid spillage that they can keep in school. BABIES WELCOME As part of our commitment to be a healthy school, we have joined the Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme. Mothers with young babies are welcome to feed their babies in school at the beginning and end of the day or during school public events. We hope this will make the walk to school easier for those with very young babies.

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COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE It is a statutory responsibility of the school to inform parents of the school’s complaints procedure. This is done via our School Prospectus and each year via school Newsletters. From time to time, parents may feel they have a concern that they may like the school to follow up. A summary of our procedure and policy is outlined below. A full copy can be requested from our school office at any time or accessed via our School Website. Stage 1 – Class Teacher or Department Leader Your child’s class teacher will always make themselves available for you to talk to in relation to any concerns you may have. They are available before or after school on most days. In addition to this, you could talk to the Department Leader if your child’s teacher is already busy. Almost all concerns are successfully dealt with by the class teacher or Department Leader. Stage 2 – Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher If, having spoken to your child’s class teacher you are still unhappy, please make an appointment to speak to Mr Liptrot or Mr Fryer, both of whom will make a great effort to be available on the school playground at the start and end of each day for informal advice and support. Stage 3 – Governors If you are still unhappy, you can write to the Chair of the Governing Body who may then ask the Governors Complaints Committee to hear your complaint. This should be done in writing, clearly stating the reason for your complaint.

The committee may ask you to meet with the headteacher or deputy headteacher if you have not already done so. The committee will then follow its procedures and policies and thoroughly investigate your complaint, after which you will receive their decision, with reasons and any action to be taken. This decision is final. Any complaints or concerns that are raised to the education department will be referred back to this complaints procedure.

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HOME SCHOOL AGREEMENT At Sandycroft C P School we have always emphasized the importance of School and Parents working together in partnership. We believe that commitment to this partnership is essential if each young person is to achieve his/her full potential. This was put into a simple phrase by one of our children: ‘We get on in life because we care’

Nyrie-paige Rushby Y5 2011

The School will: a) Provide a balanced curriculum and meet the individual needs of your child. b) Promote high standards of work and behaviour. c) Support your child’s learning to help them achieve their best. d) Inform parents of their child’s progress at regular meetings. e) Care for your child’s safety and well-being. f) Keep parents informed about school activities through regular Newsletters and

notices of special events. g) Be welcoming and offer opportunities for you to become involved in the life of

the school. h) Handle all complaints sensitively in accordance with the school’s complaint

procedure. i) Expect pupils to respect other children and adults who work and help in the

school. j) Expect pupils to respect their surroundings and the property of others. The Parents will: a) Ensure that my child attends school regularly and contact school if he/she is

absent. b) Ensure my child arrives at school punctually. c) Make the school aware of any concerns or problems that might affect my

child’s work or behaviour. d) Support the school’s policies and guidelines for behaviour. e) Support my child in homework and opportunities for home learning. f) Attend Parents’ Evening to discuss my child’s progress. g) Get to know about my child’s life at school. h) Support the school’s policy on uniform. The Pupil will: a) Always follow the school’s behaviour policy. b) Always be polite, courteous and considerate to pupils and adults. c) Maintain the good name of the school by his/her actions and behaviour. d) Be punctual and attend regularly. e) Be dressed correctly in school uniform. f) Ensure that home learning activities are completed and returned to school. g) Work to the best of his/her ability. h) Take a pride in the school and the local environment.

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Appendix Each year the governing body must publish a school prospectus for parents and prospective parents. The prospectus must set out the following:

The school’s name, address and telephone number The name of the Headteacher and Chair of the governing body A brief statement describing the ethos and values of the school A curriculum statement to include a summary of its content, an explanation

of how it is organised in relation to different year groups and key stages and a description of the teaching methods used

Details of the school’s admission policy A summary of the governing body’s policy for pupils with special

educational needs, both with and without statements Details of the religious education provided, a reminder that parents can

withdraw their children from all or part of religious education or religious worship and particulars of any arrangements for parents to exercise their rights

The affiliations the school has with a particular religion or religious denomination

Pupil absence rates (including details of authorised and unauthorised absence)

Information about the school’s National Curriculum assessment results National information about National Curriculum assessment results The arrangements for dealing with complaints The overall approach to sex education A statement on the school’s sporting aims and provision of sport The charging and remissions policy Term dates and session times The extent to which Welsh is used in the school both as a teaching

medium and as the day-to-day language of communication Details of any school open days or visits

Taken from Governors’ Guide to the Law 2012, Chapter 6, Pages 3 & 4